St. Patrick’s Day much calmer this year in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) — The city celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day Saturday with two separate festivals, putting a spin on the holiday’s usual traditions in the area.

Crowds and police at last year’s Shamrock the Block were going at it, but festival goers said the bash in the Bottom this time around was much more relaxed. Shockoe Fest was introduced downtown this St. Patty’s Day weekend.

“I think everyone’s a little more calm,” April Montgomery said.

Shawn Gregory, owner of the Halligan Bar and Grill, agreed with Montgomery, saying less people ended up yielding a better outcome overall.

“It’s just easier for the police to kind of keep an eye on everybody. So, yeah it’s a little bit more manageable. But it’s still a great time,” Gregory said.

While some checked out festivities in the Bottom, a much larger crowd showed up at Shamrock the Block’s new location on the Boulevard. The new spot was a big hit with some. Still, others were disappointed with some aspects of the holiday weekend.

“Downtown was just a much better atmosphere. It was a lot more open, it was a lot more space for people to walk around,” Justin Varner said.